Outdoor Seating - For Restaurant Patrons Only?

[trinchick]

We'll be traveling with my mom, who doesn't get around too well or enjoy rides very much, but would still enjoy a day at Disney. Is it taboo to "park" her at a table while we head off to enjoy a ride? She loves to people watch, and would be quite happy in a shaded seat. Of course, she'd be mortified if she was asked to leave a table!

I know there are benches around, but a shady umbrella would be ideal since she can't tolerate much sun with some of the medications she's on.

Thanks in advance.

 

[snykymom]

I've never had a problem sitting at a table. If she feels awkward, maybe just get her a drink (which is probably a good idea anyway!)

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Sounds just like my mom. We park her in the shade but not at a table. People will get mad if you take up a table if your not eating. Which is undersatndable.

 

[Pumbaa_]

have you considered renting mom an ecv for the day? It would help her mobility, nice comfy seat, can park in the shade easily and follow you around more easily.

My mom has been using one for yearsand it has really been a godsend for her. Without it, she would not be able to do very much at all.

but back to your original question

During peak meal times, i don't know that I would take a table if not dining. During other times? I sure would!

 

[trinchick]

Thanks for your responses. I think an ecv would be great for my mom, but I doubt I could convince her to try it. It's probably just as well, since she doesn't drive much these days and could be a hazard to everyone around her!

I'd hate to take up a seat during prime mealtimes and leave folks wandering around with trays (hate that myself...) Based on your suggestions, we'll just try to gauge demand and only use a table if there are plenty available.

I just wanted to be sure no CM would come over and ask her to move, even during a non-peak time. She'd die of embarrassment.

Thanks again!

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Thanks for your responses. I think an ecv would be great for my mom, but I doubt I could convince her to try it. It's probably just as well, since she doesn't drive much these days and could be a hazard to everyone around her!

I'd hate to take up a seat during prime mealtimes and leave folks wandering around with trays (hate that myself...) Based on your suggestions, we'll just try to gauge demand and only use a table if there are plenty available.

I just wanted to be sure no CM would come over and ask her to move, even during a non-peak time. She'd die of embarrassment.

Thanks again!

My mom wouldn't go for that either. Now her friend was on it. OMG! She was terrible. They are both in there 70's.

 

[magik]

I think there are certain places that are more conducive to this than others. For instance, at non-peak meal times, the tables with umbrellas by Rosie's/Tower of Terror/Rockin' Roller Coaster is great for sitting and people watching while others in the party ride those two rides. There are lots of tables, it's not usually crowded during non-peak times and in the back corner there's really good shade.

At MK, there's a place in adventureland by the Dole whip place that has little tables and chairs under a roof - across from the Swiss family Robinson tree house - that would probably work for when people are riding Jungle Cruise or the flying carpets. And since El Pirata Y El Perico is usually not open for service, that can be a nice place to sit while on Pirates of the Caribbean.

My mind is drawing a blank though on other places like this that are open to the outside, so good for people watching, but still have good shade.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

There's some covered tables that aren't at eateries. Outside Space Mtn. comes to mind. They're along the fence for the speedway. There's also shaded seats & other shaded places to sit between RnRC & TOT. Some are for the eatery, but not all. I can't think of any other locations right now, but someone should be able to add more locations.

 

[TaraPA]

In Dec. I saw a CM kindly ask someone that was not eating to find another place to sit - but it was at Brown Derby - which is a Table Service Restaraunt that has outdoor seating. We were waiting outside for our ADR (place was full to capacity), and they needed to seat someone there that had an ADR. So I'd make sure she doesn't sit down by accident at a TS restaraunt with outdoor seating!

 

[trinchick]

Thanks again. Everyone here is so incredibly helpful - and knowledgeable!

 

[tinka-belle]

The Liberty Inn at the American pavillion in Epcot has lots of indoor and outdoor (with umbrellas) seating. As long as it's not peak time, there are always free seats outdoors and maybe even indoors.